CFSSIR

‧₊˚ 96 ‧₊˚

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was the second year after Xiao Mu ascended the throne.

After proclaiming himself Emperor and purging the court, the capital of Great Liang now enjoyed clear governance with many corrupt officials removed. However, this led to significant vacancies in the court. In response, Xiao Mu decreed the establishment of a special examination to select talents.

Young scholars from all over responded eagerly, rushing to the capital to take the exams. The capital, which was once quiet and desolate due to the turmoil of succession, suddenly became lively again.

In a tavern in the capital where scholars gathered to rest, groups of young students engaged in lively discussions. Among them, a handsome young man in black sat quietly, lost in thought.

Someone approached him and tapped his shoulder, saying with a playful smile, "Brother Lin? Brother Lin? What are you so deeply lost in thought about? We've called you several times with no response."

The young man suddenly came to his senses, smiled apologetically and shyly, and started to apologize repeatedly.

At this moment, another person chimed in, "Brother Lin seems to have been troubled since entering the city. Is there something bothering you?"

Before the young man could reply, another person interjected, "Oh, it's not trouble at all! He was clearly startled! Remember the day he almost got kicked by a horse when he entered the city!"

Laughter broke out around them.

Another voice countered, "No, that's not it! It's because Brother Lin encountered a beauty that day and couldn't forget her. Love at first sight, perhaps!"

The laughter grew louder as curiosity spread, and everyone started asking about this beauty, about how she looked like.

Scholars usually avoided such romantic topics, but now the conversation turned bold and explicit.

Blushing amidst the teasing, the young man waved his hands, trying to deflect the attention, yet unable to shake the image of the girl he saw on horseback that day-a stunning beauty, clearly from a wealthy family. He felt unworthy.

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he was interrupted by a loud voice, "How dare you say that! Do you know who that girl is?"

"It's the wife of Prime Minister Lu! I saw it with my own eyes, Prime Minister Lu was escorting her! If you keep joking like this, do you still want a future in the court!?"

"What?! Prime Minister Lu!?"

The group erupted in astonishment.

Meanwhile, the center of the discussion, Shen Qingyao, was leaning against a window, yawning lazily with a look of boredom on her face.

Shen Qingyao realized in despair that after recovering from her illness, life seemed even more boring than when she was seriously ill. When she was sick, her thoughts were mostly about her health and were easily satisfied. But now that she was well, she found herself at a loss for what to do with her days.

Her gaze fell on someone behind a desk engrossed in reading and, though usually pleasing to look at, Shen Qingyao couldn't help but snort in annoyance, feeling an inexplicable urge to go over and bite him. Yet, in recent days, she felt unusually weak, so she dismissed the idea with another yawn and turned to watch the falling petals in the courtyard.

Meanwhile, behind the desk, Lu Zhao heard the noise and looked up. Seeing the little girl looking listless, he smiled faintly and after a moment, got up and walked over, asking softly, "Feeling tired?"